On this, the 7th and last day of our theme this week, I give you “Temptation Island” which is the most popular Filipino movie that had a beauty pageant at the core of its plot. The original, directed by the late Joey Gosiengfiao and released back in 1980, was actually interesting because it starred a number of actual beauty queens (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1977 Jennifer Cortez, Miss Maja Pilipinas Bambi Arambulo and Azenith Briones) and immediately achieved cult-classic status that encouraged a 2011 remake from Director Chris Martinez and casted popular stars (Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and Solenn Heussaff) instead.
Watch the original and click on the trailer of the remake. Tell me which one floats your boat better. š
The first video is the full version of the original released in 1980.
courtesy of Oriana Romy
Below is the trailer of the 2011 remake of the original cult classic of a movie
Former Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Official Candidate Hannah Mariz dela Guerra has now invaded the movies with a new screen name – Hanna Ledesma.
Hanna Ledesma (wearing blue) is the new leading lady of Dingdong Dantes (leftmost) in Kubot: Aswang Chronicles. Erik Matti (third from left) directs this MMFF 2014 entry that also stars Joey Marquez (fourth from left). Photo from Instagram account of Erik Matti
Remember Hannah Mariz dela Guerra, Binibini 5 during the 2014 Bb. Pilipinas batch and who I had a crush on? Well, the pretty girl has resurfaced and in the movies at that.
She landed the role playing the wife of lead actor Dingdong Dantes in “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles” which is the sequel of the box-office hit “Tiktik”. Actually, she took over the role originally played by actress Lovi Poe (who dropped out of the cast).
Hanna with Director Erik Matti
I can’t tell you how happy I am with the career shift of dear Hannah because she so deserves to be in the spotlight. After the Bb. Pilipinas experience, she went on to become Miss Sophie Paris PH and also acted in her first play “The Missing Peace” during Virgin Labfest: The Harvest at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
“Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles” will be part of the December-scheduled Metro Manila Film Festival. Watch the teaser below.
courtesy of official dongyanatics
Good luck in your new endeavors, Hanna! And may your star shine bright in showbiz! š
The festival will run from July 26-August 4, 2013.
In case some of you are wondering why I am giving a spot feature to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, your blogger is also a self-confessed indie movie buff who enjoys watching flicks that have moderately off-mainstream appeal. This year, the line-up is particularly special with the presence of some big-name stars as well as plots that are both ground-breaking and innovative in appeal. Do check out seven of the more interesting opuses below:
courtesy of QuantumFilmsProdn
Vilma Santos stars in her first indie movie and Jeffrey Jeturian has the honor of directing her in this one. “Ekstra” (The Bit Player) is a socio-realist drama-comedy which follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos) as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the truth in the ruling system of the production as well as the exploitation on the marginalized laborers like her.
The project is made more luminous with the cameo appearances of Piolo Pascual, Marian Rivera, Cherie Gil, Cherrie Pie Picache and Pilar Pilapil playing their real selves.
courtesy of Christopher Ad. Castillo
The first directorial debut of Christopher Ad. Castillo (yes, he is the son of the late renowned director) takes pride in having Gretchen Barretto – another indie first-timer – in the lead. “The Diplomat Hotel” is about Victoria Lansang (Barretto), a popular news reporter who has been requested to mediate a hostage crisis. And in front of a national television audience, something horribly goes wrong and people are killed while Victoria suffers a mental breakdown. A year later, she’s eager to get back into the game but the only assignment she can get is to do a documentary on the last night of The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City, a crumbling and abandoned building infamously known for its bloody past and its hauntings and has carved a place in Philippine ghost lore. Looking for redemption, she arrives there with her crew and they start filming. But as they get deeper into the night, the place starts to exert its will on them and they find out exactly what monstrous evil awaits at The Diplomat Hotel.
courtesy of QuantumFilmsProdn
What do you get with the combination of Cinemalaya favorite Eugene Domingo and Japanese actor Yuki Matsuzaki (who has starred in a string of Hollywood films like Letters from Iwo Jima)? Director Leo Abaya’s “Instant Mommy“!
In order to solve a personal predicament, Bechayda (Domingo), a wardrobe assistant in TV commercials, pretends to be pregnant.
The film is one summerās journey with her as she reaches the fateful decision amidst a highly visualized world where the video screen not only reigns supreme but is also the frame within which a usually unsuspecting public accesses the content of image-makers.
courtesy of Joseph Israel Laban
This is going to be the most controversial entry for 2013, I reckon. Coming from one of GMA-7’s most prolific documentary filmmakers – Joseph Israel Laban – “Nuwebe” is inspired by the actual story of one of the youngest mothers in Philippine history. It follows the story of Krista who at the tender age of 9 got pregnant from the sexual abuse perpetrated by her own father. Her story is complex. Krista refuses to see herself as a victim.
With an almost documentary style, “Nuwebe” follows Kristaās story as she demonstrates a level of resilience uncommon to her age. Her mother on the other hand is torn between her love for her child and her love for her husband.
The movie stars TV child performer Barbara Miguel as Krista, with the support of Anita Linda, Jake Cuenca and Nadine Samonte.
courtesy of MyCinemalaya
“Debosyon” is from Director Alvin Yapan and stars Paulo Avelino and Mara Lopez (yes, the daughter of Ma. Isabel).
Mando, a Bikolano devotee of Ina, Virgin of PeƱafrancia, Patroness of Bikolandia, injures himself in the middle of the forest at the foot of the Mayon Volcano. He will be nursed back to health by a mysterious woman, Salome, living there. They will fall in love with each other. But when Mando invites her to come with him to the plains, Salome refuses, saying a curse prohibits her from leaving the forest. Salome holds a secret that will devastate Mandoās love for her. Mando relies on his devotion to the Virgin of PeƱafrancia to lift the curse, making him realize just how inextricably linked are the virtues of love and faith.
courtesy of Jerrold Tarog
From one of my favorite indie film directors who has successfully crossed mainstream, Jerrold Tarog is bringing “Sana Dati (rough literal translation: Wish Before) to the festival. Lovi Poe, Benjamin Alves, Paulo Avelino and TJ Trinidad star in this one.
Andrea Gonzaga (Lovi Poe) has accepted her fate by agreeing to marry a man she does not love. But a few hours before her wedding, someone arrives to remind her of the true love she once had and lost. “Sana Dati” is a love story about bittersweet compromises and real-life decisions. It is the third part of Jerrold Tarog’s Camera Trilogy after Confessional and Mangatyanan.
Lastly for this group, there is “Quick Change” which is the second directorial effort of Eduardo Roy, Jr. who brought us the memorable “Bahay Bata” a couple of years back.
courtesy of B0nfire Productions
This movie is about the life of Dorina a middle-aged transsexual looking for his niche amidst the complexities of the world he is in. This is a story of suffering, acceptance and hope.
“Quick Change” casts newcomer Mimi Juareza in the role of Dorina. He is joined by Miggs Cuaderno and Junjun Quintana.
Cinemalaya 2013 (Philippine Independent Film Festival) will run from July 26 to August 4, 2013 with the main venue at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) plus simultaneous showings at select Ayala Mall cinemas. If you’re up to it, then better plan on buying tickets to the more anticipated movies (like Ekstra, Instant Mommy and The Diplomat Hotel) ahead of time so you don’t have to get stuck in long lines for the same.
Do watch out for it, and let’s keep on supporting the local indie filmmaking industry! š
Lou Sison: she’s had her taste of showbiz, will she cross over to beauty pageants?
You don’t know her name, but you might have already seen her face countless times on the small screen appearing in various TV commercials (such as Stresstabs). She is Lou Sison, a 24 year-old model and budding showbiz personality. In fact, she can be regularly seen doing a supporting role in one of GMA-7’s afternoon teleseryes (Yesterday’s Bride) as lead star Lovi Poe’s best friend.
While being a talent of the station directly competing with ABS-CBN could be a kink in joining BBP2013, I don’t think it will be such a messy arrangement if ever. Besides, at her age, this will be her last chance to take part in the national pageant. Will the 5’9″ beauty take the risk and show up for the final deadline of the competition? Abangan! š
If you’re in the Philippines for the Holidays, and want to catch a movie during the 10-day Metro Manila Film Festival running from December 25 – January 3, please find time to watch and support “Thy Womb” which stars the incomparable Nora Aunor together with Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral. Directed by the brilliant (pun intended) award-winning and internationallly acclaimed director Brillante Ma Mendoza, the movie is a superb testament to the power of undying love captured on the screen by the enduring acting talent of its lead (Super)star, La Aunor.
Courtesy of pinoymovies
Don’t miss it! I’m sure you won’t regret spending two hours of your time appreciating the movie. š
I will let the images and the ‘uncensored’ full trailer of the movie speak for themselves. “Tiktik” – the Aswang Chronicles could be the most impressive Filipino horror flick ever produced. Aside from it being entirely shot against a green screen, the production people – led by Director Erik Matti – used the most advanced technology in filmmaking.
Notice the look and texture of the movie. Impressive!
The eerieness is excellently captured in this shot alone.
Watch “Tiktik – the Aswang Chronicles – co produced by GMA Films, Agostodos Productions, Mothership and Reality Entertainment – and scheduled to open nationwide on October 17. The movie stars Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, Joey Marquez, Ramon Bautista, Janice de Belen and LJ Reyes.
Ben Chan (center) acknowledges the applause (and standing ovation) of the audience.
The fantasy that is Lovi Poe!
The Philippine Volcanoes with rugby balls, sans uniforms!
Hotter than hot Benjamin Alves!
Displaying his swimmer’s body, Enchong Dee sizzles!
Did Jake Cuenca leave the stage just like that? Nah, the yellow undie was ripped apart!
Shirtless and sexy, that’s Rocco Nacino for you!
Does the body paint distract you? Enzo Pineda makes sure you don’t!
Sarah Lahbati shows why she is one of today’s hottest IT girls!
From Century Tuna to Bench, John Spainhour channels his inner knight without the steel armours!
Aljur Knifehands, anyone? This Abrenica hottie shows his body to die for!
The look from behind is scorching hot!
Job well done, Bench!
No need for a lot of words in this post. Let the pictures speak for themselves. Suffice it to say that the Mall of Asia Arena was full of hot bodies for Bench Universe.
All images courtesy of Bruce Casanova. If you want to see more, click HERE. š
When was the last time you watched Nora Aunor in an indie movie being fielded to film festivals abroad? I honestly can’t think of any except “Himala” (Miracle) which now belongs to the list of Best Filipino Movies of All Time.
This time around, she has joined hands with Cannes Film Festival Best Director winner Brillante Mendoza for the film “Sinapupunan” (“Thy Womb” is the international title) which has already been selected for competition at the prestigious 69th Venice International Film Festival. On top of that, it will be part of another high-profile event that is Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) where it will be shown as part of Contemporary World Cinema. Wikipedia states that this is “…about a Badjao midwife coping with the irony of her own infertility amid the deprivations of her gypsy community in Tawi-Tawi. A saga of island life stuck between the devil of passion and the deep blue sea of tradition.”
Below is an image lifted from a Spanish blog which includes the movie as one of the 10 entries to look forward to in the Venice Filmfest.
Aside from Aunor, “Thy Womb” stars Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral. Please like its Facebook Fanpage. Let’s all support this movie which is bound to become one of the Philippines’ more important indie movies.
Your blogger and Guni-Guni cast member Benjamin Alves during the movie’s premiere night.
Upon the invitation of beauty queen-maker Jonas Gaffud, I had the pleasure of attending the premiere night of the movie “Guni-Guni” at the SM Megamall last night. It was a successful event, with the cast and director lending their presence. Anyways, for those unfamiliar with the meaning of the Tagalog title, it literally refers to the figment of one’s imagination. But the film deals with it and a lot more. In fact, being a jaded horror movie watcher, I came out of the multiplex decently impressed.
“Thirty years ago, an unborn child was buried in the garden of what is now a boardinghouse in Cubao. It lies beneath the ground, unbeknownst to the tenants who live there. One of the tenants is Mylene (Lovi Poe) who appears like the perfect girl, nice, pretty and at the top of her Medicine class…
One day Mylene was asked to perform an abortion for a fee. She feels conflicted about doing what’ is right and, at the same time, being in dire need of tuition fee. Her decision ultimately leads to a dark outcome and awakens a force that has laid quiet for years in the boardinghouse grounds. Thereafter, she becomes tormented by nightmares of a dark twin, whose presence gets stronger as days pass, as strange things start to happen in the house. When one by one, the boarders die of unexplainable causes, Joanna (Empress Shuck) the resident psychic and Mylene’s best friend struggles to understand the impending danger that she senses and decides to get to the bottom of the mystery; and as it unravels, they find themselves confronted by an angry soul that seeks justice.”
This is the kind of horror flick which – if not handled right – would suffer from bad editing. Fortunately, Director Tara Illenberger is a topnotch film editor helming her first full-length mainstream feature. The series of flashbacks, dream sequences and non-stop scares is more than enough to confuse the amateur cutter. And while the plot may not sound original to some, there are new elements (such as conjoined twins, doppelgangers and the like) that add up to a tightly-woven entirety. The look and feel is typical classic. The different characters, though, have extra color such as those played by Lovi Poe, Gina Alajar and Julia Clarete. I won’t go into the fine details because this brief review is already sounding spoilerish. But rest assured, the climax makes a lot of sense, i.e., after the moviegoer pieces together the different hints on why an evil force has been wreaking havoc on each resident of the beleaguered boarding house.
Lovi Poe plays the role of a mysteriously scarred Medical student in the movie.
Acting-wise, Lovi Poe gives more credence to her rising popularity as the Princess of Horror Movies. She more than competently carries the weight of the whole film on her shoulders, and with able support from Empress, newcomer Benjamin Alves and a tandem of veterans (Gina Alajar and Jaime Fabregas) who make her character shine all throughout.
“Guni-Guni” is produced by Regal Entertainment. Directed by Tara Illenberger, it stars Lovi Poe, Empress Schuck, Benjamin Alves, Gina Alajar, Julia Clarete, James Blanco, Jaime Fabregas, Gerald Pesigan, Neil Ryan Sese, Guji Lorenzana and Ria Garcia. It opens nationwide today. Do catch it! š
I just love the concept of Bench TV and benchingko/films. And I dig their short films as well. The one above is entitled “Kama” (Bed), a 5-minute musical which features Lovi Poe in one of the sets (Kamanyakan). The three other shorts are “Perya” with Piolo Pascual, “Horsepower” with Coco Martin, “Star Teacher” with Lucy Torres-Gomez, “Kontrabida 101″ with Bella Flores, and “25 Bens” starring Ben Chan himself.
The indefatigable Ben Chan in his first film appearance:
courtesy of BenchTV
These movies were released as part of Bench’s 25 years in the business.
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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